Used to refer to a time rather than an aesthetic, Contemporary art generally describes pieces created after 1970 or being made by living artists anywhere in the world. This immediacy means it encompasses art responding to the present moment through diverse subjects, media and themes. Contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, performance, digital art, video and more frequently includes work that is attempting to reshape current ideas about what art can be, from Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s use of candy to memorialize a lover he lost to AIDS-related complications to Jenny Holzer’s ongoing “Truisms,” a Conceptual series that sees provocative messages printed on billboards, T-shirts, benches and other public places that exist outside of formal exhibitions and the conventional “white cube” of galleries.
Contemporary art has been pushing the boundaries of creative expression for years. Its disruption of the traditional concepts of art are often aiming to engage viewers in complex questions about identity, society and culture. In the latter part of the 20th century, contemporary movements included Land art, in which artists like Robert Smithson and Michael Heizer create large-scale, site-specific sculptures, installations and other works in soil and bodies of water; Sound art, with artists such as Christian Marclay and Susan Philipsz centering art on sonic experiences; and New Media art, in which mass media and digital culture inform the work of artists such as Nam June Paik and Rafaël Rozendaal.
The first decades of the 21st century have seen the growth of Contemporary African art, the revival of figurative painting, the emergence of street art and the rise of NFTs, unique digital artworks that are powered by blockchain technology.
Major Contemporary artists practicing now include Ai Weiwei, Cecily Brown, David Hockney, Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and Kara Walker.
Find a collection of Contemporary prints, photography, paintings, sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.
$3,000
Princess /// Contemporary Street Pop Art Painting Grace Kelly Abstract Colorful
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Princess" Series: Eclecticism *Signed by Graves lower left. It is also signed, titled, and dated on verso Year: 2024 Medium: Origi...
Canvas, Paint, Acrylic
Airplane in landscape - landscape painting
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful painting by Jeroen Allart is part of his minimalist landscape and animal painting he did in his home country the Netherlands. 'A farm stands before you on the horizon....
Canvas, Oil
Story of the Family Dog - Colorful Figurative Abstract Textural Mixed Media Art
By Olympio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This textural mixed-media painting on canvas by Togolese artist Olympio delivers an unfiltered glimpse into the artist's soul through a powerful blend of texture, energy, and abstrac...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,787
Splash of Joy. Original Contemporary Figurative Acrylic Painting, Child - Rabbit
Located in Oslo, NO
Joy in Motion is an original acrylic painting on canvas that combines contemporary figurative painting with geometric abstraction. The artwork captures a carefree childhood moment as...
Canvas, Acrylic
Saddle ip, sunshine: Contemporary Cowboy Landscape Oil Painting
Located in DE
A vibrant oil painting captures a serene moment in a desert landscape. The scene unfolds under a soft pink sky. Figures of cowboys stand in quiet camaraderie. Their attire blends ear...
Canvas, Oil
"Beat, Beat. Plus Outro (Linea Pictura — Diptych)" Abstract Diptych with String
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Beat, Beat. Plus Outro (Linea Pictura — Diptych)" is an original artwork by Hyland Mather made of acrylic, ink, string, pins on drop cloth, in tray frames. It measures approx 43”h x...
Canvas, Thread, Acrylic, Pins
$1,100
Field Painting August 3 - Contemporary Landscape Painting Wildflowers, 2023
Located in Kent, CT
In this contemporary landscape painting in oil on linen, a peaceful summer scene beautifully captures the idyllic feel of a field of wildflowers in early August. Signed, dated and ti...
Oil, Linen
"My Horizon - Barcelona" Color Field Painting on Paper Insured by Mark Rothko
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
An acrylic and oil on heavy weight paper piece with bright use of color and texture. We are focused on the simplicity of beauty in the moment as Shaoul creates a translucent but very...
Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Wandering Through II - Colorful Rural Landscape Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
By Jodi Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jodi Miller captivates with her atmospheric landscapes, inspired by the vast skies of her prairie upbringing and her global travels in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Influenced by the...
Canvas, Acrylic, Graphite
Dandelion Yellow Drip III - Contemporary Abstract Figurative Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze and aluminum figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. ...
Metal
HEAT HAZE - Modern Landscape Oil Pastel Painting, Warm Tones, Bright Light
By Janusz Kokot
Located in Hallein, AT
Janusz Kokot was born in Kalisz in 1960. He studied at the Pedagogical University in Częstochowa at the Art Institute. He practices painting and drawing. In the years 1988 - 2020 he ...
Paper, Oil Pastel
"El Guapo" - Contemporary Acrylic Barn Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Justin Wheatley was born and raised in Clinton, Utah. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Utah State University with an emphasis in drawing and painting, and a Masters of Arts fro...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sweet Talk and Spurs: Contemporary Cowboy Landscape Oil Painting
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative oil painting of a sun-drenched desert landscape, depicting figures in cowboy attire gathered with blue horses across a vast sandy terrain. Figures in cowboy a...
Canvas, Oil
Beginning XI - Contemporary Joyful Oil Painting, Beach View, Seaside, XL Format
Located in Hallein, AT
Signed to the verso Artodyssey "Julita Malinowska's paintings belong to those, which once seen - are never forgotten. The open spaces, sometimes cool and bright, at other times heav...
Canvas, Oil
The Neverly Hills
Located in Zofingen, AG
Some places exist only in the imagination, where status is measured by confidence rather than possessions, and belonging has nothing to do with appearances. The Neverly Hills playful...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,548
Wildflowers and horses Cowboys, Minimalist Landscape oil painting , 80x80 cm
Located in DE
A serene landscape unfolds in a rhythmic dance of color and form. The composition balances human presence with the quiet dignity of animals. Figures in striped trousers and wide-brim...
Canvas, Oil
By the Pond
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 90×100 cm (overall size with stretching 100×110 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled By the Pond is a painting about the beauty of simple moments and t...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil Pastel
"Overlook" - Contemporary Acrylic Barn Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Justin Wheatley was born and raised in Clinton, Utah. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Utah State University with an emphasis in drawing and painting, and a Masters of Arts fro...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,335
Jetty 12 January 16:02 - Modern Minimalistic Landscape Painting, See View
Located in Hallein, AT
Robert Motelski's paintings are exceptional visions of nature, visions of space which surrounds us. They tell about being, fate and passing. They depend on the season of year, the ti...
Canvas, Oil
The Last Showgirl
Located in Zofingen, AG
Under the warm lights of a cabaret stage, the show is still going on. Surrounded by feathers, pearls, sequins, and an audience waiting to be entertained, one unlikely star takes cent...
Canvas, Acrylic
My Favorite Blow In The Winds, Red Floral Soft Neutral Contemporary Textured Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints floral abstract compositions in acrylic and mixed media on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary painti...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Ink, Oil
$3,050
Summertime Smell Goods - Large Textured Airy Neutral Abstract Floral Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints floral abstract compositions in acrylic and mixed media on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary painti...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"Midwinter" - Contemporary Acrylic Barn Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Justin Wheatley was born and raised in Clinton, Utah. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Utah State University with an emphasis in drawing and painting, and a Masters of Arts fro...
Canvas, Oil
"In a Round About Way", Figurative Painting of a Girl Dancing with Skeletons
By Mando Marie (seeyouthroughit)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"In a Round About Way" is a one-of-a-kind original work by Amanda Marie (Mando), created using acrylic and aerosol on canvas. The piece measures 32.75”h x 21”w framed, and is shipped...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Gold Leaf Acrylic Painting of Cowboys, Minimalist Landscape, 80x60 cm
Located in DE
A sun-drenched landscape unfolds with rhythmic simplicity. This acrylic painting captures a quiet gathering in the arid heart of the West. Figures in traditional attire blend into th...
Gold Leaf
On a Warm Summer Evening
By Jacob Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
Life Is Beautiful is a celebration of the quiet richness hidden within ordinary days. We often feel that something is missing from our lives, believing happiness lies somewhere ahead...
Acrylic, Canvas
The Group Chat
Located in Zofingen, AG
Some conversations never really end. A glance, a whisper, a dramatic pause, someone pretending not to listen while hearing absolutely everything. This painting celebrates the quiet r...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bananas. Still life Painting, Oil on canvas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In most of the paintings, the artist uses an interior space as his subject, placing a table or similar object at its center. The use of symmetry and eye level often suggests an altar...
Canvas, Oil
$775
Open Your Heart - Abstract Blue Graffiti Inspired 'Love You' Mixed Media Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Tajine Silhouette. Still life Painting, Oil on canvas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In most of the paintings, the artist uses an interior space as his subject, placing a table or similar object at its center. The use of symmetry and eye level often suggests an altar...
Oil, Canvas
Time Keeper. Large Acrylic Painting, Blue Orange Geometric Rabbit.
Located in Oslo, NO
An original acrylic on canvas depicting a young woman holding a geometric rabbit with a melting pocket watch, combining contemporary figurative painting with geometric abstraction. T...
Canvas, Acrylic
Heritage Tulip Pocket Painting 270, original painting, still-life
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Heritage Tulip #270 (canvas size 5x5cm) is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic oil paintings, wi...
Canvas, Oil
$2,382
The future is calling us for - Contemporary Architecture Pool House Oil Painting
By Lilly Muth
Located in DE
Lilly Muth's architectural paintings transport viewers on a visual journey to a different world, where imagination knows no bounds and the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur...
Canvas, Oil
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Bold - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Modern Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$2,680
Yokohama Ticketservice- 21st Century Contemporary Cityscape of Yokohama, Japan
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Wijnand Driessen Yokohama ticketservice 29,7 cm x 42 cm (size with frame, included in price, 47 x 35 cm) oilpainting on cardboard In this painting, Wijnand Driessen takes the vie...
Oil, Cardboard
$8,875
2022 I - 5 by Christiane Maurer - Fiber Art, Geometric Patterns, Handwoven
Located in Paris, FR
2022 I – 3 is a unique textile (double weave, handwoven cotton stretched on frame) artwork by contemporary artist Christiane Maurer, dimensions are 112 × 92 cm (44.1 × 36.2 in). The...
Textile, Cotton
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Thorns Before Roses - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This work questions what happens after arrival. When the life once desired is finally attained, soft, beautiful, without struggle, why does the mind remain unsettled? Thorns Before ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hear Me Out
Located in Zofingen, AG
Everyone wants to be heard. Some whisper. Some raise their voices. And some simply lift a claw draped in pearls and wait for the room to fall silent. Confidence isn’t always loud. So...
Canvas, Acrylic
Drawing In, Contemporary Abstract Landscape Painting, Oil on Panel
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Inspired by the drama of nature and light, Cynthia creates abstracted landscapes with oil. Signed on the back.
Oil, Panel
L'aparté des couleurs, Large Abstract, Contemporary, French, Oil on canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter based in Normandy, France. Working exclusively in oil on canvas, she has developed a distinctive visual language rooted in layering, ma...
Oil
$3,750
"Happily Ever After", Contemporary, Urban, Geometric, Blue, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
"Happily Ever After" is an original contemporary mixed media painting on panel by Peter Knapp, measuring 30 x 24 inches. Framed by the artist in a custom hand-crafted natural oiled c...
Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Wood Panel
"On the Outskirts" - Contemporary Acrylic Barn Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Justin Wheatley was born and raised in Clinton, Utah. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Utah State University with an emphasis in drawing and painting, and a Masters of Arts fro...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,475
Wood Drip III - Rainbow Contemporary Abstract Figurative Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze and aluminum figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. ...
Metal
$320Sale Price|20% Off
"My Gracious Pink Butterfly" Contemporary Pop Art Oil Painting w Floater Frame
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
Motivated by bold color and fast brushwork, we are moved by the simplicity and thick textured oil paints in these works. Shaoul’s “My Butterfly Collection” is a vibrant and energetic...
Oil, Board, Resin
Sun No.11 - Abstract Folk Art Inspired Figurative Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker creates vibrant original artworks that merge the enduring charm of folk art with a contemporary sensibility shaped by nature, memory, and visual storytelling. Inspire...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
$800Sale Price|20% Off
AGE OF INNOCENCE - original round painting by Paula Craioveanu in New York
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Age of Innocence", original unique painting. A feminine, innocent presence, portrait of a girl with a Venetian mask. acrylic on canvas. 20in / 50cm, round. Shipped from Forest Hil...
Acrylic, Canvas
Green Curio Cabinet - Leucistic Anna’s Hummingbirds
Located in Burlingame, CA
Marie Cameron's new Curio Cabinet series places birds and teacups within curiosity cabinets filled with specimens, artifacts, collectibles, and kitsch, all woven together through nar...
Linen, Oil
Making Our Way Back - Original Rural Landscape Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
By Jodi Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jodi Miller captivates with her atmospheric landscapes, inspired by the vast skies of her prairie upbringing and her global travels in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Influenced by the...
Canvas, Acrylic, Graphite
Learning to Live
By Jacob Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
Learning to Live is a quiet reflection on the beauty that already surrounds us. So often we spend our lives chasing the next achievement, believing that happiness lies somewhere ahea...
Canvas, Acrylic
Chill Out: At Ease
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 90×90 cm (overall size with stretching 100×100 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled Series: Chill Out Title: «Chill Out: At Ease» This painting is abou...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Beat, Minus Verse, Outro (Linea Pictura — Diptych)", Minimalist White Abstract
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Beat, Minus Verse, Outro (Linea Pictura — Diptych)" is an original artwork by Hyland Mather made of acrylic, ink, string, pins on drop cloth, in tray frames. It measures approximate...
Canvas, Thread, Acrylic, Pins
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled 6 - 21st Century, Contemporary Figurative, Neo-Expressionism
By Wisdom Uche
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
In the Moment
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 95×95 cm (overall size with stretching 105×105 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled Series: Chill Out «In the Moment» This painting is about the simple ...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Highway 101", Surreal Redwood Highway Panting with Orcas and Car
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Highway 101" is an original artwork by Chris Austin and is made of gouache on wood. It measures 13"h x 17"w framed and is signed en verso by the artist. Chris Aus...
Wood, Gouache
$1,012
Cow #1
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 95×95 cm (overall size with stretching 105×105 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled Cow #1 is a painting about the beauty of simple things and the joy ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$8,875
2022 I - 3 by Christiane Maurer - Fiber Art, Geometric Patterns, Handwoven
Located in Paris, FR
2022 I – 3 is a unique textile (double weave, handwoven cotton stretched on frame) artwork by contemporary artist Christiane Maurer, dimensions are 112 × 92 cm (44.1 × 36.2 in). The...
Textile, Cotton
$545
Peculiar Bloom - Abstract Folk Art Inspired Mixed Media Painting on Raw Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker creates vibrant original artworks that merge the enduring charm of folk art with a contemporary sensibility shaped by nature, memory, and visual storytelling. Inspire...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
Life Is Beautiful
By Jacob Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
Life Is Beautiful is a celebration of the quiet richness hidden within ordinary days. We often feel that something is missing from our lives, believing happiness lies somewhere ahead...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
Beauty from Within 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bakare Babatund...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Life in Color
By Jacob Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
Life in Color celebrates the quiet beauty of sharing life with someone you love. In the simplest moments—a conversation, a shared meal, or the comfort of being together—the ordinary ...
Canvas, Acrylic
The artist and activist is the subject of a new show at Washington, D.C.'s National Gallery of Art.
Manhattan's Acquavella Galleries is showing a group of the artist's monumental works that have never been seen together.
Koloman Moser smashed the conservative conventions of art and design in fin-de-siècle Vienna. On the 100th anniversary of his death, the Austrian designer is being celebrated for his radically modern creations.